Thanks for the questions… here we go!
Annika wrote: Hi Carol, 1. how did you determine which puppies needed to go to a working home? 2. is there a distinct difference between the herding style of an English shepherd compared to an Aussie?
Annika, hi! 1. I REALLY try to get my pups homes in the working-est homes I can find. You might not qualify if you have 20 chickens and 5 goats. If I can find a ranch (in Western terms), I’m thrilled. I really talk to the people… if the work isn’t there, perhaps the activity level is high, or there’s kids, or… whatever. I’d say that all my dogs could be in working situations… but some will do whatever their person is doing and be happy. If there’s more drive in a pup, I’ll definitely put them in a working situation. 2.An English Shepherd is upright, no crouch… and loose eyed… They resemble more of the Aussies I’ve had than the Border Collies I’ve seen. Distinct? Wellllllllllll… I wouldn’t say so…. but it depends on which Aussie and which ES you’re comparing!
Suzanne wrote: How was Dally as a momma? How did she compare to Elsa in that department? I’m a long time reader & first time poster. I LOVE this blog. Thank you for taking the time to share.
Suzanne, well thank you… I’m so happy you like this piece of Red Dirt! Dally was more of a helicopter mom than Elsa… although I didn’t own Elsa for her first litter, perhaps she was that way with her first as well. I’d try to take everyone for a walk, one of my favorite things to do with previous litters… Dally wouldn’t have it. We’d get so far and Dally would chase everyone back home. They were NOT to wander. Or maybe she just wanted me to herself! She wasn’t more *nervous*, as in jittery… but… definitely a first time mother. Sometimes, I could just see Elsa rolling her eyes! She was ignorant on the discipline thing for about 2 minutes, and then, watch out… she was on top of things! At least, if it met Elsa’s approval.
Patr wrote: How many acres of hay do you grow? Is it mostly alfalfa? Round? Square? Or those huge squares they are doing now? We saw a truck load being delivered to the feed store yesterday. Those things are HUGE! How many bales do you produce in a good year? And does it last you all winter?
Patr, WOW! OK. a. I really don’t know. b. Yes, alfalfa and grass mixed. c. Square! d. 4’x4’x8′ e. Hundreds! f. We really try to make enough to last… hoping we don’t have an early winter and late spring! We feed a LOT of hay to our cattle!
ginny wrote: A question: Does age and source pay off? Really been studing it. Don’t have to answer if you don’t want. Love your book stories.
Ginny, the first year, we really didn’t see a big difference. But I’d say the past few have been better. I think it helps bring buyers in! Just, as usual, it depends on the market. But if you’re thinking about it… go for it. The “Natural” designation doesn’t hurt either. Thanks.
Robin wrote: Do you chose a horse based on his color? His build? His availability? His abilities? His training? His temperament? Or do you let him chose you? Thanks for the ride along!!
Robin, our first priority in a horse is gentleness. We don’t use them all the time, and need one we can turn out and then climb back on much later and he’s the same horse. We like them fairly well trained as we don’t have a lot of time to spend on ground work, etc. Miles and miles like we put on a horse will do a lot of training. The boys like a bigger horse, just so they can rope a calf and drag ’em to the fire, or doctor from horseback. I’m getting more and more partial to short horses! Color is the least of our priorities, we really don’t care.
Sheila Jacobson wrote: I was reading your entry from a year ago. What was the outcome with Boomer? Did you find him?
Sheila, I shouldn’t tell you the answer… I posted about it about a week later, but maybe I *will* tell you it has a happy ending!
Marilyn wrote: Question: with all the vehicles and farm equipment you have, how far is it to the nearest gas station!?!
Marilyn, it is 20 miles to Ten Sleep, 47 to Worland. Most ranchers and farmers buy their gas in bulk and so we have various tanks of a few hundred gallons scattered around. It is delivered to us through local companies.
Alice wrote: How often do bulls end up fighting or do you try to keep them in separate areas?